2017

I’ve been asking the question: What makes a good teacher great? for 24 years. I have collected 26,000 responses from 8 different schools and patterns have emerged. For the last 24 years, he has repeatedly asked students the same question, “What makes a good teacher great?” Azul Terronez is the author of the best-selling book “The art of Apprenticeship” Azul has coached teachers and schools leaders around the world in Spain, Chile, Canada, India, United States and China and he is currently serves as a teacher coach at Shanghai American School. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Although the acronym STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has gained substantial traction around the globe in the last decade, its educational implication is much debated. Interpretations of STEM education differ in their emphases, for instance, on interdisciplinarity or integration, on developing skills such as critical thinking or creativity, or on introducing contemporary content (e.g., robotics, virtual reality). In any case, there is an expectation that STEM education will boost student interest and achievement, and that pursuing STEM studies will enhance students’ employability. Yet, implementation of STEM education poses serious challenges for schools and teachers in terms of curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and organisation. This presentation will explore the longitudinal research needed to determine the impact of STEM education on students, teachers and schools. Professor Jan van Driel A former chemistry teacher, Professor van Driel has a PhD in chemical education from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. He was a teacher trainer and educational consultant at Delft University of Technology, before joining Leiden University Graduate School of Teaching in 1995. He went on to become the Professor of Science Education in 2006 and Director of ICLON, Leiden University, before moving to Australia in 2016 to become the Melbourne Graduate School of Education’s inaugural Professor of Science Education. A world leading scholar, Professor van Driel’s work is influential in informing the professional development of science teachers and he has done extensive research in the domains of teaching, teaching education and higher education. He is co-editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Science Education and was Vice-President of the Netherlands Educational Research Association from 2001-2009. Until recently Professor van Driel was chair of the Interuniversity Centre for Teacher Education and secretary of the board of the Technasium Foundation (Netherlands).

Robert Magnus discussed the history and future of music in video games. Robert exhorted his listeners not to turn off the music while they play their video games, for he said it constitutes the parts of the game that are the most atmospheric and enjoyable. Robert Magnus is an eighth grade student who lives in New York City. He has hiked Mt. Washington, participated in a New York City regional science bowl, and is a key member on his school’s green team. In terms of video games, he has played many Pokémon games from generations 4-7, two Mariokart games, two Super Smash bros. games, three Legend of Zelda games, and Splatoon as well as other games for Nintendo consoles. He has also watched several videos on other gaming franchises like Sonic the hedgehog, Banjo-Kazooie, and Final Fantasy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Technology will continue to evolve, and we have no choice but to adapt. In order to do so, everybody must stay informed about current progress and recent innovations. Dylan Steck is a 14-year-old coder and entrepreneur. In 2016, he started his own company called WebDeck, which he hopes to be everyone’s homepage on the web. He has attended The Flatiron School courses where he learned Software Engineering and The Make School Summer Academy, where he learned how to make iPhone apps. Outside of WebDeck, Dylan likes to help with clubs at school, other side projects, and follow the tech and news/media worlds. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

While some see the path to success as linear, every person, rather, has his or her own unique journey to reach it. “You have to find your own way to start a business or become successful,” David says, “because there’s no single path to success or starting a business.” David Eisman is an entrepreneur and consultant. He started his own video game company at 16 and was featured in publications such as Business Insider and Yahoo Finance. Eisman is a dedicated and thoughtful innovator and businessperson that has practiced the rewards and challenges young people will face as they join the global workforce. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

According to his experiences in creating and using websites and applications, it is essential that both the user interface and experience work together to create a site that fulfills its primary goal, whether it be to entertain, educate, or, perhaps, present. Alexander’s main concern is that not enough developers are aware of this concept, and his goal is to bring attention to those who want to create effective content. Alexander Kwok, a Form III Browning School student, works on multiple projects related to coding and design. He has experience developing mobile applications, competing in robotics competitions, and coordinating coding clubs which brings together student programmers after school. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Ms. Márka’s main contribution is leading the manufacturing and testing of a key subsystem, the timing system for the LIGO detectors. On September 14, 2015, the LIGO detectors observed that three solar masses of energy had radiated away from merging black holes, in the form of gravitational waves. Using a laser interferometer, which splits a single beam into two that eventually rejoin, LIGO was able to detect a small displacement from the normal wave. This displacement indicated the presence of a gravitational-wave. Zsuzsa Marka is an experimental physicist at Columbia University. She works on the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) project, the experiment that a year ago announced the discovery of gravitational-waves from a pair of merging black holes. Her main contribution is leading the manufacturing and testing of a key subsystem, the timing system, for the LIGO detectors, and she also leads the timing diagnostics studies for the collaboration. Beyond instrumentation, she also works with members of the Columbia Experimental Gravity group on various aspects of gravitational-wave astrophysics. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

According to a recent CDC study, 1 and 45 children are found to be on the autism spectrum. What does being on the autism spectrum entail? In simple terms, Greg explains, those on the spectrum learn in different ways, and autism teachers have to teach them differently. What can technology do to help teachers transform their practice and support special education for children with autism? Greg is the Co-Founder and CEO of Thread Learning, which builds a data platform for autism and special needs education. His mission is to get 100% of the 1.7mm US children with autism on digital data within the next 5 years. Greg received his MBA from Cornell Tech, where he graduated in the Top 5 of his class. He received his BA in Economics Cum Laude from Washington and Lee University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Abhinav Seetharaman, an undergraduate student at Columbia University, delivered a talk about Sanskrit and its global influence. One of Abinhav’s concerns is why Latin and Ancient Greek are taught much more than Sanskrit, for he explained how all three have had an immense influence on the world in which we live today. He explained and demonstrated how learning Sanskrit has ameliorated his pronunciation, linguistic and cultural understanding, and view of the world. Abhinav Seetharaman is a third-year undergraduate student at Columbia University, majoring in Economics and Sustainable Development with a concentration in Sanskrit. He started learning the Sanskrit language as a high-school student and completed a 3-year Sanskrit immersion program before matriculation into college. As a sophomore last year, he co-founded a YouTube channel called ‘Spoken Sanskrit Series,’ that aims to teach conversational Sanskrit in an enjoyable and casual manner. His efforts towards the revival of the language continue with him being co-founder and singer in a Sanskrit A Cappella group called “The Sanskrit Boys.” Additionally, Abhinav is a professional South-Indian percussionist and performs in concerts and outreach programs across the United States, India, and other venues abroad. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

The New York City community needs to develop more of a sustainable mentality to protect ourselves and preserve our cities, such as using products like Solar Roadways and solar panels and constructing buildings that are capable of withstanding natural disasters like earthquakes. George Stavropoulos, a Form V student at The Browning School, is a native New Yorker and 3rd generation Greek-American. Interests in community involvement and passion for education inspired him to mentor lower school students in after-school robotics classes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Every engineer knows and loves SolidWorks, Jon Hirschtick is the founder and former CEO of this adored company. He will talk about his disruption in the CAD industry with OnShape, his newest brainchild that is taking the industry by storm. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

An engineer and designer, Hasier Larrea is changing the way we look at furniture with his MIT Media Lab spinout Ori Systems – a robotic, flexible furniture system for small apartments. As he leads the Architectural Robotics research area at the Media Lab, his team is passionate in transforming traditional architectural and furniture elements to intelligently connect to the world around us. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Professor Iyer, Ph.D. from New York University with a minor in computer science, is involved in analyzing the digital titans to understand how the nature of competition has evolved. A few of his research interests are digital businesses from an ecosystem perspective, exploring the role of IT architectures in delivering business capabilities, designing knowledge management systems, using concepts from systems design, hypertext design and workflow management etc. With years of research in the field, his understanding of disruption in digital world is truly insightful. Professor Iyer, Ph.D from New York University with a minor in Computer Science is involved in analyzing the digital titans to understand how the nature of competition has evolved. A few of his research interests are digital businesses from an ecosystem perspective, exploring the role of IT architectures in delivering business capabilities, designing knowledge management systems, using concepts from systems design, hypertext design and workflow management etc. With years of research in the field, his understanding of disruption in the digital world is truly insightful. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

A champion of targeted cognitive intervention, Steve Wilkins has dedicated his life to teach children with language based learning disabilities. He has proved himself as the next big disrupter by providing education to the needy and larger masses. He believes “I have been fortunate to work at schools that share a formula for success: a celebration of different learning styles, a commitment to experiential modes of teaching and learning, and—above all—deep adherence to human values and community.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

국회 인사청문회: 교육부, 통일부장관 후보자 시험대에 올라 More confirmation hearings were held on Thursday to fill the Moon administration’s cabinet. The main opposition party continues to be on the offensive. The latest target was the education minister nominee, accused of ethical lapses. Shin Se-min has the details. Kim Sang-kon , nominated to head the country’s education ministry, who would also double the role as the deputy prime minister for social affairs, faced questions from the Assembly during his one-day confirmation hearing. Opposition party lawmakers tried to shoot down the education minister nominee,… calling him unfit for the position over allegations that he had plagiarized his research papers,… to which Kim had responded by saying he had done nothing to be ashamed of. Answering policy related questions,… the former education superintendent for Gyeonggi-do Province said he would improve equality in education,… and said he’ll monitor the increasingly competitive educational system once sworn in. Meanwhile, after a relatively smooth confirmation hearing process, lawmakers adopted a hearing report on the unification minister nominee Cho Myoung-gyon, . During the Q&A session, Cho told lawmakers that Seoul will respond strongly to Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile provocations,… while working to re-establish dialogue between the two Koreas. Also during the hearing, Cho said that Seoul needs to craft bold and practical ways to resolve the North’s nuclear issue. These comments come as President Moon had expressed that he would seek a dual-track approach towards denuclearizing North Korea. Cho also said Seoul needs to work on re-opening the now-closed Kaesong Industrial Complex,… once progress has been made towards North Korea’s denuclearization. The unification minister nominee had previously played a part in opening the jointly-run complex during his time as a presidential secretary under the Roh Moo-hyun administration. Next to face the lawmakers questions is labor minister nominee Cho Dae-yeop, who has his confirmation hearing scheduled for Friday. Shin Se-min, Arirang News. Visit ‘Arirang News’ Official Pages Facebook(NEWS): http://www.facebook.com/newsarirang Homepage: http://www.arirang.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arirangtv Twitter: http://twitter.com/arirangworld Instagram: http://instagram.com/arirangworld

Our latest guest on Inspired Edinburgh is Ekaterina Matveeva. Ekaterina is the Founder of Amolingua, a company whose mission is to create a more connected, multi-lingual world. She has been working on the concept of the secondary linguistic personality since 2009 and has organised international events like G20 exploring inter-cultural communication in business and politics. She became the first Russian female memory sportsman exploring how mnemonics could help in language learning and in 2015 she founded EuropeOnline, now Amolingua, an EdTech Startup teaching people languages at an accelerated pace. Her school was listed in CNBC’s top 20 startups in the world and she received the title of UK Business Woman 2015 by the Grad Factor. This is a phenomenal interview with a incredibly inspirational woman. You can find Ekaterina at: http://www.amolingua.comhttps://www.facebook.com/amolinguahttps://twitter.com/amolingua Drop Inspired Edinburgh a message on Facebook: www.facebook.com/INSPIREDINBURGH Music by Djsadhu: https://youtu.be/n9QzGbKTcok

Dr. Alex Thornton taught for seven years in Canada and Boston before shifting his focus to Educational Leadership. As Doctor of Education at RTSG Neuroscience, he brings his expertise in education and school program implementation to the consulting firm’s education related projects and studies. RTSG creates large scale interventions that use exercise to benefit groups of people. Dr. Thornton works in schools to maximize the benefits of physical education. His work has shown that, if done correctly, PE can improve academic performance in other subjects. He also collaborates closely with other educators, researchers and renowned thinkers to bring findings from sleep, nutrition, play, and Neuro/Biofeedback research to educational and organizational settings. His goal is to incorporate findings from neuropsychology into educational practice. Dr. Thornton joined us at the ISTE 2016 Conference EdTekTalks to share his findings on using exercise to change school cultures and optimize student learning. Using EEG and ERP data, he outlined in his talk the ways that exercise promotes attention and brain growth. Just a couple minutes of exercise can help students focus better and retain more information. The other side of the coin, however, is proper sleep. Memory is consolidated during sleep, and as students are getting less sleep than they did in the past—partly due to constant access to the Internet, online games, etc.—they are struggling harder to learn and retain information. Technology, says Thornton, interferes with both exercise and sleep, but also offers ideas and solutions to get more exercise and sleep. For educators and parents, finding the right balance is key to helping students do their best learning.

Starr Sackstein is a nationally board certified teacher who has taught in the NYC public school system for 15 years. Sackstein has written books about assessment reform and student empowerment as well as presenting a TEDx talk about her journey to give up grades. Starr’s Presentation: Empower Students by Engaging them in the Assessment Process Every child has the right to engage in their learning starting from their mistakes straight through to their successes. We must give students the language they need to adequately co-construct and design learning opportunities and then express their own progress and growth in a meaningful way. Students certainly don’t need grades to communicate what they know and can do, they just need the opportunity to share in their own words in the language of the standards to express strengths and challenges. Leveraging Technology to Empower the Whole Child #MALeads17 MassCUE (Massachusetts Computer Using Educators) and MASCD (Massachusetts Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) have joined forces to bring together classroom and educational leaders for a one-day event of powerful presentations, workshops, hands-on sessions, and informal gatherings to address the critical issues of education. Both organizations believe that each child, in each school, in each of our communities deserves to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Thus, this year we will focus on how leaders can leverage technology to reach the whole child.

Workshop on “Designing a professional development program to support STEM initiatives” by Professor Danilo M. Baylen, ED.D. University of West Georgia, USA 10 January 2017 09.00-12.00 Phramingkhwan 1,2 Floor Phramingkhwan Karnsuksathai Building Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University

Bitcoin has pushed blockchain technology into the limelight in recent years. Now, many companies are investing in blockchain technology and finding more creative applications. Join us for a complimentary webinar explaining the technology’s basics, problems it solves and types of smart contracts it enables. Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to: * Explain blockchain technology basics * Describe the problems blockchain technology solves * Recognize the smart contract types on the horizon

Educators work every day to help their students learn and grow. How do we support the learning and growing of educators? What are the untold stories we need to consider to avoid stereotype threat and help teachers see themselves as change agents – as wizards? In this keynote, Jennie Magiera shares three untold stories to amplify in order to empower educators to change the world, starting in their classrooms.

Udacity’s Sebastian Thrun and his puppy Charlie talk to Darrell Etherington about the opportunities, methods, and obstacles to bringing the future on faster. Find out more about Disrupt here: https://techcrunch.com/events/disrupt…

“There is an engagement crisis in school.” Scott Hebert, a new teacher, in a new school, in a new community, realized there was a problem with the way students were struggling to pay attention in class. He went from being a fourth grade phys ed teacher to being a eighth grade sciences and technologies teacher. The differences in the classrooms were alarming. The younger grade was full of children who were enthusiastic and engaged during class. The new class was filled with older students struggling to pay attention and hold onto the information being given to them. Scott realized his class time was too much of him talking, and too little of the kids doing. So, he gamified. Read more at www.TeacherTechTrials.com

How will virtual reality effect higher education? Elliot Grove gives his perspective. Elliot Grove is a Canadian-born film producer who founded both the Raindance Film Festival in 1993 and the British Independent Film Awards in 1998. Find out more: http://www.raindance.org Special thank you to the University of London International Programmes for helping produce this series. www.londoninternational.ac.uk

Australian entrepreneur Nick Jenkins is interviewed by experienced venture partner Terry Hilsberg about his lessons learned whilst scaling his start-up in China. Nick’s start-up Language Confidence automates tutoring and spoken assessment with artificial intelligence driven technology. In this clip Nick talks about his background, and why he dropped out of university to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. He goes on to talk about the nascent stages of his start-up, experiences with the muru-D accelerator program and reasoning behind location choice. Nick also explains the scope of the education market in China, his move from a B2C to B2B model, networking strategies in Chinese business culture, deals currently in negotiation, and developing a competitive differentiation. Some questions answered include: Why did you move to China rather than stay in the Sydney (Muru-D) accelerator? Is there a competitive tension in the Chinese business partnerships (comprising of mainly 5-6 major players)? How do you negotiate a fair deal in China? What personal challenges did you face in China? What advice would you give for entrepreneurs who don’t speak Chinese and want to enter the Chinese market?

A lot of capital is flowing into the Development Sector (specially from CSR) – demanding professional leadership management talent More and more young people showing interest in working in this sector (Fellowships); People are looking to move from the corporate sector as well – looking for help in making that transition

Bianca Praetorius is one of the best and most well-known coaches on the start-up scene. She’ll support you in the creation and delivery of a convincing presentation. Bianca’s most distinctive competency is the so-called elevator pitch – both in English and in German. With her acting training, Bianca knows exactly how to convince an audience. So you’d like to get to know Bianca? Contact Bianca Praetorius for more information for free via her Coachimo profile: https://goo.gl/md4FE8 What is Coachimo? Coachimo is an online platform that supports your professional and personal growth by connecting you with the right coach or expert in the fields of business coaching, life coaching, and IT. How does Coachimo work? 1. Register for free on Coachimo.de. 2. Use our advanced filters to search by price, city, field of expertise, and much more to find the right coach for you. 3. Contact your coach directly via the contact button and arrange a free 15-minute call. 4. When you’ve agreed on the scope and timing of the coaching session, you can book the coach directly on Coachimo. The benefits of using Coachimo.de: – Wide selection of qualified coaches and experts – Free registration with just a few clicks – Easy comparison of coaching offers – Saving time in your search for the right coach or expert – 24-hour money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work out after the first coaching session (private clients only) You’re a coach and you’d like to present yourself on Coachimo with a profile video? Then you’ll find our offer here: https://goo.gl/ay1GLA

Check out our latest short Primary School video to learn more about our well-rounded programme, bilingual learning environment, and educational philosophy. Call our Admissions Team on (852) 2338 7106 or send an email to admissions@ycef.com for more details.

Where: Learning at Scale (L@S) 2017, MIT April 2017 Title: Panel: Creative Learning @ Scale Panelists: Karen Brennan, Cristobal Cobo, J. Philipp Schmidt Moderator: Mitch Resnick Karen Brennan Karen Brennan is an Associate Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her research is primarily concerned with the ways in which learning environments–in and out of school, online and face-to-face–can be designed to support young people’s development as computational creators. Many of Brennan’s research and teaching activities focus on constructionist approaches to designing learning environments–encouraging learning through designing, personalizing, connecting, and reflecting, and fostering learner agency. Before joining HGSE, Brennan completed her PhD in Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab. Cristóbal Cobo Cristóbal Cobo (Phd) is Director of the Center for Research – Ceibal Foundation in Uruguay, and also an associate researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford. Cristóbal has been distinguished by the British Council of Economic and Social Research (ESRC) and associate research fellow at the Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance, University of Oxford. He was Professor and director of Communication and New Technologies at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, Mexico. He has served as external Evaluator for the Inter-American Development Bank; the National Science Foundation and MIT Press (US), International Labour Organization (UN), and the International Development Research Centre (Canada). He has PhD “cum laudem” Communication Sciences at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Co-author of the book Invisible Learning, his most recent books is “Innovación Pendiente” (Penguin Random House, 2016). He has been speaker in more than 30 countries (+ 4 TEDx). Currently he collaborates with the Digitally Connected Network (a collaborative initiative between UNICEF and the Berkman Klein Center). J. Philipp Schmidt J. Philipp Schmidt is Director of Learning Innovation at the MIT Media Lab, where he leads the ML Learning initiativeOpens in a new window, teaches courses, and conducts research on learning communities. He is also a cofounder and board member of Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU)Opens in a new window, a non-profit organization that provides access to online higher education through public libraries. Philipp served on the founding board of the OpenCourseWare Consortium, co-authored the Cape Town Open Education Declaration, and is an advisor to a number of non-profit and for-profit education projects. He has received ShuttleworthOpens in a new window and Ashoka fellowships, and came to MIT as a Media Lab Director’s fellowOpens in a new window. Mitchel Resnick Mitchel Resnick, LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research at the MIT Media Lab, develops new technologies and activities to engage people (particularly children) in creative learning experiences. His Lifelong Kindergarten research group develops the Scratch programming software and online community (scratch.mit.edu), used by millions of young people around the world. The group also collaborates with the LEGO Company on the development of new educational ideas and products, including LEGO Mindstorms and WeDo robotics kits. Resnick co-founded the Computer Clubhouse project, an international network of 100 after-school learning centers where youth from low-income communities learn to express themselves creatively with new technologies. Resnick earned a BA in physics at Princeton University (1978) and MS and PhD degrees in computer science at MIT (1988, 1992). He worked as a science-technology journalist from 1978 to 1983. He is author of Turtles, Termites, and Traffic Jams (1994), co-editor of Constructionism in Practice (1996), as well as co-author of Adventures in Modeling(2001) and The Official ScratchJr Book (2015). He was awarded the McGraw Prize in Education in 2011 and the AACE EdMedia Pioneer Award in 2013.

To drive student engagement and performance across different education institutions, a significant investment of time and money towards innovation is required. How are different organizations ensuring innovation is fostered in their institutions? What are some of the strategies that can be implemented globally? What are the key challenges to get support for innovation growth? Speakers: Marielle van der Meer, Vice President of GLobal Affairs, African Leadership University Russel Shilling, Senior Innovation Fellow (funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative), Digital Promise Mark Brown, Professor and Director, National Institute for Digital Learning, Dublin City University Justin Olmanson, Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Tony Sheehan, Associate Dean, Digital Learning, London Business School Join Us in EdTechxAsia 31 Oct.-1 Nov.| Singapore Expo @ Max Atria For more information visit http://edtechxasia.com/

“Unlearn with Us” 20 curious delegates. 4 prominent mentors. 3 rounds of unusual questions. Four extraordinary individuals will be judged by your first impression. You will be called to guess who is who. Explore your mind’s ability to reach to conclusions by putting together different pieces of the human mosaic. There is only one right answer… or maybe not? A workshop powered by 100mentors, an EdTech platform empowering the world’s youth to consciously take their once-in-a-lifetime decisions. Created with the assistance of Andronikos Koutroumpelis

Computers in fact have incredible capabilities. But can you imagine living in a world where our physical environments are programmed the way in which we program computers? How is computing changing in today’s Age of Optimisation and how is research moving to the ultimate computer? John Hardy is an inventor and computer scientist with a love for building tools that help people explore new and emerging technologies. John graduated in 2014 with a PhD in Digital Innovation from Lancaster University and now runs a start up in Manchester called Hardy & Ellis Inventions LTD where they put the research into practice. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Children refused to go home because technology was introduced into their classroom.School systems in Africa should leverage on technology for quality and practical education. Chibueze Ikedi has passion for tech, education and poetry. His quest to serve humanity by providing solutions to people’s problems led to his foray into technology and later, entrepreneurship. He is the innovator/pioneer of EmBED, an educational platform to improve the outcomes of children and young people using technology, bridging the gap between the public and private education systems. In line with his passion for children and education, he hosted the Africa Code Week 2015 and 2016 in Aba, with 110 children from two schools in 2015 and 347 children from 11 schools and one church in 2016. The focus is to introduce children to software coding and computers at a tender age. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Gideon Potgieter is an electrical engineer by training, and an MBA graduate from the Rotterdam School of Management. After years of experience in broadcasting, and a stint at Packard Bell, plus several entrepreneurial ventures here and in the Netherlands, he joined Resolution Circle in 2014. Resolution Circle focuses on technology and product development for other companies. Gideon is responsible for the business development, marketing and sales function of the company. Gideon is an electrical engineer by training, and an MBA graduate from the Rotterdam School of Management. After years of experience in broadcasting, and a stint at Packard Bell, plus several entrepreneurial ventures here and in the Netherlands, Gideon joined Resolution Circle in 2014. Resolution Circle focuses on technology and product development for other companies. He is responsible for the business development, marketing and sales function of the company. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What if we could eat a meal comprised of food we have grown ourselves, irrigated with water drawn from our own land and cooked using power generated on our own property? Jarrod Lyman explores how simple technology can make a substantial and live-saving impact for people around the world who need it most. During the day Jarrod Lyman is the communications specialist for Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, where he manages a social media following of more than a quarter million. He also works withPterofin, a clean energy startup that uses the simple concept of biomimicry to solve complex clean energy problems. At all times he’s an avid geek and lover of nerdy socks. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

A professional backed with 20 years of journalistic experience in the country & leading newspapers. Holds the credential of working with the biggest players in Indian Media such as The New Indian Express, The Hindu and The Deccan Chronicle. Currently the Editor-in-Chief of Coimbatore’s First English News Portal, The Covai Post. As a certified professional in Cyber Investigation and Law, have been associated with the Police Department. Is the Deputy Area Commander of Home Guards, an auxiliary to Tamil Nadu Police. Have been conducting courses on Cyber Security as the Core Member of Data Security Council of India, Coimbatore Chapter. A professional backed with 20 years of journalistic experience in the country & leading newspapers. Holds the credential of working with the biggest players in Indian Media such as The New Indian Express, The Hindu and The Deccan Chronicle. Currently the Editor-in-Chief of Coimbatore’s First English News Portal, The Covai Post. As a certified professional in Cyber Investigation and Law, have been associated with the Police Department. Is the Deputy Area Commander of Home Guards, an auxiliary to Tamil Nadu Police. Have been conducting courses on Cyber Security as the Core Member of Data Security Council of India, Coimbatore Chapter. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Swetha details her research findings and how her interest in science began at a young age. Swetha Shutthanandan, 18, is an incoming freshman at Stanford University. She has been doing scientific research projects mainly concentrating on renewable energy and nanomaterials since the age of 10. Research has become an important part of who Swetha is, and through many years of constant research, she has come to the realization that she wants to be doing it for the rest of her life. Through her research projects, Swetha has participated and placed in science fairs around the country, such as the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), International Sustainable World (for Energy, Environment, Engineering) Project Olympiad (ISWEEEP), National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) and GENIUS Olympiad. Last year, she was named as a Davidson Fellow Laureate by the Davidson Institute for Talent and Development. She was honored to be one of very few students to be given the opportunity to participate in these prestigious science competitions and also win awards. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The New York City community needs to develop more of a sustainable mentality to protect ourselves and preserve our cities, such as using products like Solar Roadways and solar panels and constructing buildings that are capable of withstanding natural disasters like earthquakes. George Stavropoulos, a Form V student at The Browning School, is a native New Yorker and 3rd generation Greek-American. Interests in community involvement and passion for education inspired him to mentor lower school students in after-school robotics classes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

​Kayla Delzer is a 3rd grade teacher and technology champion in North Dakota. She is a columnist for Edsurge and blogger for Edutopia, where she writes about a variety of edtech and design topics. She is also the creator of her blog, Top Dog Teaching. On July 23, 2015 she delivered her first TEDx Talk, Reimagining Classrooms: Students as Leaders and Teachers as Learners. Her work with classroom redesign and flexible seating has become the standard worldwide. She was also recently selected as North Dakota’s Lead Digital Innovator by PBS. Kayla is authoring her first book for educators based on best 21st century teaching practices for digital natives, due to be published in December 2016. You can connect with Kayla on all social media platforms @topdogteaching, and on her student lead social media accounts @topdogkids.

A talk which touches upon Free Speech is titled, “A ThoughtBox for the Thinking Indian” And include about Polarised Times, Reasonable Dialogue, and Six Principles of free speech. Venkatesh is a journalist who runs NetaData.in, an independent, non-partisan service focusing on Indian politics and policy. He is a Chevening scholarship holder at the University of Oxford, where he earned a Master’s degree in contemporary Indian studies in 2010. This year, he is also a Tow-Knight Fellow at the Center for Entrepreneurial Journalism in New York. Just prior to this, Venkatesh was Editor, The Quint and Director of Communications at Change.org India. For 9 years, he was a Senior Anchor at CNN-IBN. He has covered politics, crime, business and sports as a journalist. Venkatesh lives in New Delhi, but is from Bangalore. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

“All mathematical functions are not continuous” An amazing personality who challenged his own destiny to achieve the impossible. Diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy – a degenerative disease without cure – V K Bansal was forced to seek a new career in 1983. He started off teaching a single student on his dining table. From this humble beginning, he’s come a long way to run an institute where thousands of students are taught every year. Today, he is the guiding force behind the ‘IIT dream’ of thousands across India. An amazing personality who challenged his own destiny to achieve what seemed impossible, Mr Bansal was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which left him physically impaired and a predicted short lifespan. He, however, became the founder of Bansal Classes, one of the leading Test Preparation Institutions in the country. From the humble beginning of the dining room classes to now training thousands of students every year, Bansal Classes became a household name for anyone preparing for IIT-JEE showing favourable results year after year. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

There are problems, a lot of problems to in the current educational system. And the solution lies here itself! Currently serving as the vice-chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, he is on leave from the post of Bharat Petroleum Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering from Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga. He has more than 7 awards in the field of chemical engineering, has published 164 papers in national and international journals, has written two books and is the professional member of more than 30 academic as well as industrial bodies. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

An engineer and designer, Hasier Larrea is changing the way we look at furniture with his MIT Media Lab spinout Ori Systems – a robotic, flexible furniture system for small apartments. As he leads the Architectural Robotics research area at the Media Lab, his team is passionate in transforming traditional architectural and furniture elements to intelligently connect to the world around us. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Gallo invites TEDx to the unveiling of the world’s first IOT hardware solution that aims to change this paradigm. As an Open Source Initiative, we will also invite the audience to join the project and become a part of this seed tracing change. Eduardo Alarcon is the founder of Tokylabs.com, a robotics company changing the way students and organizations approach technological innovation. Eduardo specializes in injecting creativity into engineering development and operations. He has seven publications in some of the top international scientific magazines. He speaks five languages and has traveled to more than 40 countries. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Olivia Van Ledtje talks about how she has used the power of social media to conquer bullying and share her ideas and stories with the world. Olivia shows that even kids have big ideas worth sharing. Olivia (aka LivBit) is a 9-year old reader, thinker, and kids’ voice believer. She is smart about all things shark and hopes to be a future ichthyologist. Olivia is an ambassador for the Gills Club, an organization promoting girls in science through inquiry-based experiences meant to grow enthusiasm and activism for sharks. She is also a passionate advocate for books and using social media to promote digital citizenship, voice and audience. Wanting to promote a deeper understanding about kindness in social media posting, Olivia is working hard to be a “mentor tech” for others. Olivia’s work on LivBits has been featured all over the world, including conferences in Taiwan, Singapore, and England. She was so excited to be included as a keynote speaker and voice for kids using social media at the Digital Citizenship Summit 2016 at Twitter Headquarters in October. She’s presented with accomplished authors at national and international conferences, including NCTE, ASCD, ISTE, and ILA. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

A champion of targeted cognitive intervention, Steve Wilkins has dedicated his life to teach children with language based learning disabilities. He has proved himself as the next big disrupter by providing education to the needy and larger masses. He believes “I have been fortunate to work at schools that share a formula for success: a celebration of different learning styles, a commitment to experiential modes of teaching and learning, and—above all—deep adherence to human values and community.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Siphumelele Zondi, TV/Radio Producer & Anchor Siphumelele Zondi is the creator, senior producer and anchor of Network – a technology news programme on SABC News on DSTV 404. The show covers technology and social media inventions, innovations and tech news from the African continent. He also presents current affairs for Channel Africa Radio, a continental radio station that is part of the SABC. He has a Master of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies from Sussex University in the United Kingdom. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Isabella Voveris brings awareness to Autism. 7th grader from Paul R. Smith Middle School. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Bui Dinh Nhat is the Managing Director of Topica Founder Institute, a startup accelerator in Vietnam and Thailand. jointly organized by Topica Edtech Group and Founder Institute – the Silicon Valley Accelerator located in 60+ countries and 150+ cities around the world. In this TEDx talk, Nhat shares his own experience with facing fear how to overcome it. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this talk Pulkit Gaur shares the power of strong will and determination to overcome any difficulty in life. He also explains how technology can be utilized to solve issues which are often neglected. He is an Engineer by education and the founder of Gridbots Technologies has found his passion in Robotics. He has since supervised the development of over 50 robots that have applications in a diverse range of fields from defence to home-making. He has received TED Fellowship – MIT Young Innovator Award and Rajiv Motwani Circle Fellowship apart from various other national and international awards for his technological innovations. Pulkit Gaur, an Engineer by education and the founder of Gridbots Technologies found his passion in Robotics. He has been building robots since his childhood. He quit his job as a technical manager with Meditab Software in Ahmedabad to launch Gridbots Technologies in 2007. He has since supervised the development of over 50 robots that have applications in a diverse range of fields from defense to home-making. He currently serves as the Chief Technology Office of Gridbots and drives the companies Innovation and Technological advancements. He has received TED Fellowship – MIT Young Innovator Award and Rajiv Motwani Circle Fellowship apart from various other national and international awards for his technological innovations. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Professor Iyer, Ph.D. from New York University with a minor in computer science, is involved in analyzing the digital titans to understand how the nature of competition has evolved. A few of his research interests are digital businesses from an ecosystem perspective, exploring the role of IT architectures in delivering business capabilities, designing knowledge management systems, using concepts from systems design, hypertext design and workflow management etc. With years of research in the field, his understanding of disruption in digital world is truly insightful. Professor Iyer, Ph.D from New York University with a minor in Computer Science is involved in analyzing the digital titans to understand how the nature of competition has evolved. A few of his research interests are digital businesses from an ecosystem perspective, exploring the role of IT architectures in delivering business capabilities, designing knowledge management systems, using concepts from systems design, hypertext design and workflow management etc. With years of research in the field, his understanding of disruption in the digital world is truly insightful. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Finding your place in the education system. Where is your best fit? How are we all aligned? This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Every engineer knows and loves SolidWorks, Jon Hirschtick is the founder and former CEO of this adored company. He will talk about his disruption in the CAD industry with OnShape, his newest brainchild that is taking the industry by storm. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Todd Nesloney is a life-changing principal. He works every day to help establish and build relationships that kids need to grow and develop. Come see what incredible things Todd is able to accomplish and why he does so. Todd Nesloney is the Principal/Lead Learner of Webb Elementary in Navasota, TX. He is the 2015 BAMMY Award Recipient for Elementary Principal and the 2014 BAMMY Award Winner for Classroom Teacher of the Year, the TCEA Teacher of the Year for 2014, a White House Champion of Change, a National School Board Association “20 to Watch”, and Center for Digital Education “Top 40 Innovators in Education”. Todd is also the author of children’s book “Spruce & Lucy” and the co-author of the Award Winning Book, “Flipping 2.0” and most recently “Kids Deserve It!”. Todd serves on both the Scholastic Principal Advisory Board and the Remind Advisory Board. He is also the co-host of the popular education podcast series “Kids Deserve It”. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What do the classrooms of the future look like? Aditi Avasthi takes us on a brief tour of how AI is can help identify traits in a student that a traditional student-teacher pair cannot, and provide tailor-made education. Aditi Avasthi is the Founder and CEO at Embibe.com which is an exciting artificial intelligence platform that is personalising the delivery of education to students in emerging markets with a deep stack on content intelligence using computer vision and machine learning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Seema Bansal, Director – Social Impact and Development Practice, The Boston Consulting Group spoke about the Massive Gaps in EdTech – Are India’s EdTech entrepreneurs targeting drops or the ocean? “EdTech” has become a buzzword among startups, with companies like BYJU’s launching to incredible success. But tech is not the reality of the majority of India. Though market penetration of mobile phones is on a rise, using technology for education requires far more than just access to a piece of tech. The speakers will tackle some of the largest inhibitors to EedTtech throughout the Indian education system––from the privileged students in Tier 1 cities, all the way to the rural schools in places like Rajasthan. Just because it’s tech-enabled, do students actually learn? Further, BECAUSE it’s tech, does that leave out the majority of India and those who need it most?

More and more investors are putting their dollars into impact investments. Kevin Peterson of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation explains how this trend is helping save the environment, boost local economies and build child care centers – and how you can be part of it. From New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Upper Valley office in Hanover, Kevin co-leads design and implementation of the Impact Investing Program. He also manages four grant programs: a statewide environment portfolio; the Wellborn Ecology Fund; the Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund; and regional grants/nonprofit/donor relations in the Upper Valley. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Lee’s talk gives educators research and perspective on why we do career education to build the value and understanding of why it matters. A future paleontologist/football player who attended high school in Peterborough, Ontario, Lee’s unique career path was a complete surprise. As a graduate of Royal Roads Military College with a double major in Oceanography & Space Science, he worked in the Arctic, deployed overseas, gave advice to engineers on broken down locomotives, designed advertising at Airports, and now is the founder and CEO of EdTech ChatterHigh, helping students get the conversation started about their future. Considered a ‘philanthropreneur’ in his approach to helping schools, Lee presents at educational conferences and has talked with thousands of teachers and students in classrooms across N. America about the trait ‘hope’, the value of career education, and why becoming adaptable matters. He founded “Canada’s Most Informed School” and “Most Informed Student” competitions, allowing schools to raise funds and students to earn scholarships by actively exploring resources and opportunities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Why is education transforming? What’s the deal with Education Technology (EdTech)? How will our current school and education system look like in the future? Listen to Marc Sanz López as he portrays the challenges schools are facing in the post-internet era, how to choose a good school and what can we expect from this sector over the next decades. Marc is in continuous conversations with schools and education leaders. Besides being a founder of the first TEDxESADE seven years ago he currently is the Head of Google for Education for the South of Europe. He has founded various entrepreneurship clubs at university, national and international level, and has even co-founded and currently runs its own videogame studio. His background proves his bold professional profile and his commitment to improving Education and Entrepreneurship – two key pillars of society nowadays. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

At TEDx Square Mile Steve explained FuseSchool, an exciting charitable project to improve lives by providing free world class secondary education. FuseSchool has already gained 78,000 subscribers with just one subject, Chemistry. They also have content for Biology and Mathematics. With their success FuseSchool are now attracting amazing partners like The Prince’s Trust, UNHCR and some of the world’s best schools where they are able to combine their strengths to expand their impact. Steve is an EdTech entrepreneur who is passionate about bottling greatness and sharing it through learning & communications technology. His drive to democratise learning and knowledge led him to found Fuse Universal to push the boundaries of learning technology and find the best blend with face-to-face delivery to increase performance and individual opportunity. At TEDx Square Mile Steve will explain Fuseschool, an exciting charitable project to improve lives by providing free world class secondary education. Fuseschool has already gained 15,000 subscribers with just one subject, chemistry, and will add further subjects in the next 12 months. With their success Fuseschool are now attracting amazing partners like The Prince’s Trust, UNHCR and some of the world’s best schools where they are able to combine their strengths to expand their impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What is the future of education and how can you adapt to these rapidly changing work environment? Alvaro shares how Disruptive Education programmes can have a major impact on our lives. Alvaro is passionate about changing lives through disruptive education. He works at Udacity and has co-founded 3 Edtech Companies. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The robots are coming. We (as in the people who attend TED talks and things) tend to think we will probably be fine. You know, knowledge folks and all. We might not be. What will be our coping mechanisms? What can we do to be OK? Volker Hirsch is not afraid of placing his faith in concepts that others consider “niche”. He has championed mobile and games for more than 15 years as an angel investor, founder, and advisor. He helped launch the world’s first mobile music services, published games on tiny black and white mobile phones and – damningly – used the term “gamification” as early as 2006. Today his focus is on education, Internet of Things (IoT) and – still – games. Blackberry’s former Global Head of Business Development is now a founder of several companies, including software development house Blue Beck, and IoT venture programme builder Quantified Ventures. He is also a venture partner at leading EdTech accelerator Emerge Education, and the chairman of knowledge content recommendation system Bibblio. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Universities have been central to intellectual and creative discourse for a millennium, and yet during the last two decades, powerful economic, technological and social forces have increasingly challenged their survival. Professor Diane Sieber argues that the future of the university may look very much like its origin: decentralized, just-in-time learning with flexible curricula and outcomes-based rather than credit-hour-based credentialing. In the near future, block chain technology will allow learners to design a personalized education that constellates inexpensive online resources and experiences, and to connect directly with employers through smart contracts. Universities that can adapt quickly will weather this change; others will collapse in the face of accelerating technologies and less expensive alternatives. Diane Sieber is a professor in the Engineering College at the University of Colorado, where she lives in a student residence hall with global engineers who speak many foreign languages. She also inhabits the intersection among information technologies, history, philosophy, literature, online games and punk rock. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this talk, Niema Moshiri talks about his experience as a student in a massive classroom, and how this to his goal of rethinking education. As classroom sizes continue to increase, he illustrates the benefits of adaptive online education as a replacement for the traditional classroom. Alexander Niema Moshiri is currently a Ph.D. student in the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology program at the University of California, San Diego. He works on computational biology, with a research focus on phylogenetics and phylogenomics. Aside from research, Niema places a heavy emphasis on teaching, namely on the development of online educational content, primarily Massive Adaptive Interactive Texts (MAITs). For the past few years, he has worked with Dr. Pavel Pevzner and Dr. Phillip Compeau in the development of the Bioinformatics Specialization Track on Coursera, and has separately co-authored a free online MAIT on Data Structures that is being used at UCSD and USD. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Imagine a primary school, where students from culturally diverse backgrounds can learn anytime, anywhere and with anyone. Imagine a school with no bells and where students can eat whenever they want and have time to follow their passions in learning spaces that are devoid of traditional desks and chairs; a place where being a social entrepreneur, a researcher, a computer programmer, or a globally connected problem solver is becoming the norm – with opportunities to prototype designs and then share their knowledge and skills pro-bono in the workplace. This is John Goh’s education world, where the use of disruptive adaptive technologies, transcend traditional school learning and it is the reality of schools as we move to the end of the second decade of the twenty first century. Owning technology is not enough, what we can do with technology to self regulate our learning is where we want our students to be. John Goh is currently the principal of Merrylands East Public School, in South Western Sydney. He leads a culturally diverse school of around 380 students with 85% of students from a non-English Speaking Background and 10% refugees. John’s dynamic and innovative staff are part of the Microsoft Partners in Learning Program. Together, they have a passion for the use of technology in learning and student engagement. In recent years, John’s school has achieved the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Award for their sustainability programs and infrastructure and the NSW Director General’s School Achievement Award. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

According to a recent CDC study, 1 and 45 children are found to be on the autism spectrum. What does being on the autism spectrum entail? In simple terms, Greg explains, those on the spectrum learn in different ways, and autism teachers have to teach them differently. What can technology do to help teachers transform their practice and support special education for children with autism? Greg is the Co-Founder and CEO of Thread Learning, which builds a data platform for autism and special needs education. His mission is to get 100% of the 1.7mm US children with autism on digital data within the next 5 years. Greg received his MBA from Cornell Tech, where he graduated in the Top 5 of his class. He received his BA in Economics Cum Laude from Washington and Lee University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Is too much technology in our classrooms detrimental to learning? Lifelong educator Mary Jo Madda cautions that tech tools should support the relationship between teachers and students, not replace it. Featured in Forbes “30 Under 30,” Mary Jo is a born educator, from her start as a charter middle school teacher during her years with Teach for America to her current work as a lead at Google on the Code Next team, where she’s working to develop computer science education programs for students of color. Aside from her time served teaching, Mary Jo was also a Director at EdSurge (an edtech news organization), a member of the ScratchED team at the MIT Media Lab, and one of four founding Education Entrepreneurship Fellows at the Harvard University Innovation Lab. She has spoken at SXSWedu, Stanford University, the University of Virginia, and now will grace our stage at TEDxChicago. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

A champion of targeted cognitive intervention, Steve Wilkins has dedicated his life to teach children with language based learning disabilities. He has proved himself as the next big disrupter by providing education to the needy and larger masses. He believes “I have been fortunate to work at schools that share a formula for success: a celebration of different learning styles, a commitment to experiential modes of teaching and learning, and—above all—deep adherence to human values and community.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Eva Moskowitz, John Katzman, Nina Rees and Richard Whitmire Education reform means different things to different people but, after eight years of Obama, we were pretty sure what we were talking about. No one knows for sure what a new President will bring to the pace, guidelines or definitions of K-12 education reform. We’ll examine the possibilities and probabilities of reform post-Obama. About SXSWedu The SXSWedu® Conference & Festival fosters innovation in learning by hosting a passionate and diverse community of education stakeholders. The seventh annual SXSWedu will return to Austin, March 6-9, 2017, for four days of compelling sessions, in-depth workshops, engaging learning experiences, mentorship, film screenings, startup events, policy-centered discussions, business opportunities, networking and so much more! Through collaboration, creativity and social action, SXSWedu empowers its global community to connect, discover and impact. SXSWedu is a component of the South by Southwest® (SXSW®) family of conferences and festivals. Internationally recognized as the convergence gathering for creative professionals, SXSWedu extends SXSW’s support for the art of engagement to include society’s true rock stars: educators! Connect with SXSWedu Online at: Visit the SXSWedu website: http://sxswedu.com/ Follow SXSWedu on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sxswedu Like SXSWedu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sxswedu/

Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, SXSWedu 2017 Keynote, Creativity & Social Justice About SXSWedu The SXSWedu® Conference & Festival fosters and celebrates innovations in learning by hosting a diverse and energetic community of stakeholders across a variety of backgrounds in education. The annual four-day event affords registrants open access to engaging sessions, immersive workshops, interactive learning experiences, film screenings, early-stage startups, business opportunities and networking. Through collaboration, creativity and social action, SXSWedu empowers its global community to Connect. Discover. Impact. SXSWedu is a component of the South by Southwest® family of conferences and festivals. Connect with SXSWedu Online at: Visit the SXSWedu website: http://sxswedu.com/ Follow SXSWedu on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sxswedu Like SXSWedu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sxswedu/

Brené Brown, SXSWedu 2017 Keynote, Daring Classrooms We need to understand how scarcity affects the way we lead and teach, we have to engage with vulnerability and we need to learn how to recognize and combat shame. What would it mean for our schools and classrooms if we showed up for tough, honest conversations about what it takes to bring our best, most authentic selves to work? These conversations may sound risky and vulnerable, but risk and vulnerability are essential to courageous schools. A daring classroom is a place where both teachers and students commit to choosing courage over comfort, choosing what is right over what is fun, fast or easy and practicing values rather than professing them. About SXSWedu The SXSWedu® Conference & Festival fosters and celebrates innovations in learning by hosting a diverse and energetic community of stakeholders across a variety of backgrounds in education. The annual four-day event affords registrants open access to engaging sessions, immersive workshops, interactive learning experiences, film screenings, early-stage startups, business opportunities and networking. Through collaboration, creativity and social action, SXSWedu empowers its global community to Connect. Discover. Impact. SXSWedu is a component of the South by Southwest® family of conferences and festivals. Connect with SXSWedu Online at: Visit the SXSWedu website: http://sxswedu.com/ Follow SXSWedu on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sxswedu Like SXSWedu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sxswedu/

What is Bett? Our mission is to bring together people, ideas, practices and technologies so that educators and learners can fulfil their potential. We globally represent 139 countries; building term relationships with educators, education leaders and innovators. For more information on Bett visit: http://www.bettglobalseries.com/

At Bett Middle East we caught up with leading speakers about educations role in unlocking opportunity. They touched on STEM, Moocs, flipped learning and the attributes educators need to meet the needs of today’s learners.

We caught up with Aaron Tait, Co-Founder of Education Change Makers. Aaron discusses how entrepreneurship and community solidarity need to work together for an educational project to succeed. We also find out what Aaron thinks the near future of education is; as well as what excites him most about Bett.

As part of the second day of activities of Bett Latin America 2017, Bett’s international committee reported that it will provide the authorities of the Federal Public Education Secretariat with an educational mobile unit “Aulabox” and the donation of school supplies to support the education of communities affected by earthquakes in Mexico. With this initiative, Bett will support the reestablishment of classes, in order to give continuity to student learning. “Aulabox” is an initiative promoted by UNETE, a civil society focused on improving the quality and equity of education in Mexico through the use of technology, which consists of the installation of cargo containers adapted as classrooms and equipped with computers, educative software, internet and print services. “The main purpose of the Aula Box will be to restore formal education, reintegrate students, rehabilitate or rebuild schools, continue the curriculum and reintegrate and train teachers,” said Grania Chesterton, Director of Bett Latin America 2017. Likewise, Bett reported that, in conjunction with Suma for Education and the donations received by the participants in the Collection Center installed at the Expo, more than a thousand school items have now been collected with which packages will be produced and delivered in the most affected areas. For more information on Bett visit: https://latam.bettshow.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BettLatinAme… Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bett_LatAm

Professor Graham Kendall – Provost and CEO, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) discussing his experiences in expanding into ASEAN with the first ever branch campus of a British University outside the UK. For more information on Bett Asia visit: asia.bettshow.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/BettAsia Twitter: www.twitter.com/Bett_Asia

In the lead up to Bett Asia 2017, we asked our keynote speaker Graham Brown-Martin, Educator and Founder of Learning Without Frontiers, how we can nurture more digitally-minded educators and what the biggest opportunity that technology presents for learning is.

In the lead up to Bett Asia 2017, we asked our keynote speaker Graham Brown-Martin, Educator and Founder of Learning Without Frontiers, about his topic at Bett Asia ‘Education & the Fourth Industrial Revolution’ and why is it important for our audience to hear about, and how education systems can adapt to meet the needs of future employability skills.

Collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and computational thinking are all major benefits of teaching kids computer science. It’s so much more than just coding. Dive into this critical topic in education with two educators who are passionate about CS in schools: Kimberly Lane and Steven Isaacs. You can also get inspiration and ideas for how you can join the conversation by following ISTE on Twitter: @isteconnects or subscribing to the ISTE Blog at iste.org/blog to get great content and resources like these delivered right to your inbox. Educators featured in this video: Steven Isaacs, Teacher, Video Game Design and Development, William Annin Middle School, Basking Ridge, NJ @mr_isaacs Kimberly Lane, Blended Learning Specialist, Lancaster ISD, Lancaster, Texas @askatechnogirl

“The annual ISTE Conference is the perfect place to learn what’s cutting edge in terms of what’s available for our students,” says Assistant Superintendent Regina Rinaldi. “This is a perfect place from us to come and learn from each other, but also from experts in the field.” Education leaders — from superintendents to CTOs to board members, principals and more — are the drivers of transformation in learning and teaching. Watch the full video to see what leaders in education are saying about their ISTE Conference & Expo experience and how leaders can transform learning for students in their districts and schools. To learn more and register for ISTE 2017 in San Antonio visit http://conference.iste.org/2017/.

April is ISTE Advocacy Month and Mila Thomas-Fuller, ISTE Board President, wants YOU to advocate for edtech policies and funding. Act now to make your voice heard and help us advocate for important edtech programs like ESSA, the E-Rate program and the Lifeline program. These programs are critical for connecting schools, closing the homework gap and investing in innovation. Learn more at iste.org/takeaction

Kristin Ziemke believes in the power that education technology has to transform learning and teaching. During ISTE Advocacy Month, stand with us and share your own story with #Act4EdTech. Learn more: iste.org/takeaction

Cynthia Merrill believes in the power that education technology has to transform learning and teaching. During ISTE Advocacy Month, stand with us and share your own story with #Act4EdTech. Learn more: iste.org/takeaction

Olivia Van Ledtje believes in the power that education technology has to transform learning and teaching. During ISTE Advocacy Month, stand with us and share your own story with #Act4EdTech. Learn more: iste.org/takeaction

Corey Coble believes in the power that education technology has to transform learning and teaching. During ISTE Advocacy Month, stand with us and share your own story with #Act4EdTech. Learn more: iste.org/takeaction

Mary Wegner, a superintendent in Sitka, Alaska, believes in the power that education technology has to transform learning and teaching. During ISTE Advocacy Month, stand with us and share your own story with #Act4EdTech. Learn more: iste.org/takeaction

Dr. Marialice Curran believes in the power that education technology has to transform learning and teaching. During ISTE Advocacy Month, stand with us and share your own story with #Act4EdTech. Learn more: iste.org/takeaction

Imagine a future where students lack the tools and skills they need to succeed in a digital world. It is possible, and we can’t let it happen. Here are three actions you can take right now to help protect edtech funding for our students: 1. Send a letter to congress. 2. Call your elected officials. 3. Speak out on social media with the hashtag #Act4EdTech. Learn more at iste.org/takeaction and share your story on social media with #Act4EdTech

This tour of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center & ISTE 2017 is a great way to orient yourself before arriving on-site. From registration, playground locations, and lounges, to the expo hall and ISTE Central where you can find resources & ISTE swag, this video has the basic info you’ll need to hit the ground running at ISTE 2017.

Make learning with technology meaningful with the ISTE Standards for Students! Use this rap video produced by Flocabulary to get students engaged and show them what it means to be a digital age learner. Learn more about the ISTE Standards: www.iste.org/standards Learn more about Flocabulary: www.flocabulary.com The ISTE Standards for Students are a learner-driven process of exploration, creativity and discovery using technology for learning. Number one — I’m an Empowered Learner, I set goals and pursue ’em with fervor. My learning is up to me, it’s not passive, My brain learns best when I am digitally proactive, Number two — I’m a digital Citizen, I stay safe on all the sites I’m visiting. I use technology to make a difference With power comes responsibility, you getting it? I’m a Knowledge Constructor — number three, I carefully select and evaluate what I read. Curate media oh so brilliantly (And) I think critically about source validity. Four — I’m an Innovative Designer, That means I solve problems, major and minor. Start with empathy, ideate, then prototype, Test and iterate, that method is so nice, I’m a Computational Thinker — five, Improving any process I can find. Writing algorithms and testing in beta, Analyzing to find the trends in the data. I’m a Creative Communicator — (that’s) six, Like I put this in a rap song to make it stick. I could use different media or tools, Like infographics to make my point get through. Seven — I’m a Global Collaborator, I might connect with students way over the equator. Digital technology makes the dream come true, I had a virtual field trip with a kid in Peru. That’s seven ways that I can be A life-long learner in this 21st century. What kind of student do I want to be? It’s my path, that’s up to me!

Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani believes that girls aren’t taught often enough how to fail and be comfortable with failure. In the closing keynote at ISTE 2017, Saujani shared insights on the gender gap in the technology industry and invited educators and parents to teach girls how to be brave and invite imperfection.

Transforming to a 1:1 teach environment is a big undertaking. We asked alumni from the Verizon Mobile Learning Academy, a free, team-based professional learning program facilitated by ISTE, for their top tips for teachers who are getting started with 1:1, BYOD and mobile learning programs.

We wanted to know: what do school and district administrators and their staff technology teams need to know when implementing a 1:1 or BYOD program? So we asked the experts: educators who’ve been there. Check out these six tips from participants in and facilitators of the Verizon Mobile Learning Academy, a free, team-based professional learning program delivered by ISTE in partnership with The Verizon Foundation.

Learning comes naturally to educators, but in today’s busy world, it can be hard to prioritize time for learning. In her Ignite talk at ISTE 2017, Sarah Thomas reminds educators of how empowering and important it is to engage in learning as educators, particularly when it comes to connecting and sharing with one another. She shares her thoughts and insights on building a Personal Learning Network (PLN), or what she refers to as her Personal Learning Family, and discusses how powerful educators are when they come together and support one another. And not only do educators benefit from engaging in professional learning, but their students benefit as well. Learner is one of the new ISTE Standards for Educators, and embodying the Learner is an important part of honing your educational practice and working toward a world where all learners thrive, achieve, and contribute. Visit iste.org/StandardsForEducators to learn more.

When educators who are empowered professionals collaborate with one another — and their students! — the results are incredible. In this talk at the ISTE 2017 Conference & Expo, Clara Alaniz shares her first-hand experience in working together with educators who advocate for and empower all of their students to grow and thrive. She compares educators to gardeners, who must plant and tend their gardens with intention, but must also celebrate growth when it crops up unexpectedly. Educators who embody the new ISTE Standards for Educators as empowered professionals and learning catalysts are in the best position to be able to advocate for and empower their students. The standards, Alaniz says, “are not things to do, they’re ways to be.” Watch her full talk to get inspired and learn more about the new Educator Standards at iste.org/StandardsForEducators.

Instructional Technology Specialist and 21things4Students.net co-Founder Jennifer Parker wants to make digital age learning easy and accessible for all teachers and their students. That’s why she helped create the 21 Things Project. In this talk, Jennifer outlines some of the free tools for teachers, students and administrators, and shows how you can use these open source resources to develop students into thriving digital age learners. With the 21 Things Project, meeting and aligning learning with the ISTE Standards for Students is simple, fun and affordable. Watch to learn more and explore the standards at iste.org/standards

Making education better starts with asking those who are most directly affected by it: students! We wanted to know what students really think about education — what works, what could be improved, which learning experiences are the most meaningful to them — so we invited four students from different schools across the U.S. to share their thoughts and insights on the ISTE 2017 keynote stage. Watch to learn more and get inspired by these remarkable student panelists. Visit isteconference.org to learn more about the event.

ISTE welcomed CEO Richard Culatta to the team in May 2017. In this talk at ISTE 2017, he outlines the three main components of ISTE’s offerings — vision, community and learning opportunities — and shares some exciting new developments for ISTE members and the education community in general.

Hear from Michael Hernandez and mother and son digital citizenship duo Marialice Curran and Curran Dee on how digital citizenship is evolving. They share they’re observations, inspiration, and some ideas for how to build digital citizenship and media literacy skills by focusing on some of the “do’s” rather than the “don’t’s”. Get inspiration and ideas for how you can join the conversation! Follow ISTE on Twitter: @isteconnects or subscribe to the ISTE Blog at iste.org/blog to get great content and resources like these delivered right to your inbox. Educators featured in this video: Marialice B.F.X. Curran, Founder and CEO, Digital Citizenship Institute, Glastonbury, CT @mbfxc Curran Dee, Chief Kid Officer, DigCitKids, Glastonbury, CT @CurranCentral Michael Hernandez, Teacher, Cinema and Journalism, Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach, California @cinehead

The new digital citizenship takes students beyond the protective to the proactive. Watch the video to learn about the three spheres of digital citizenship: digital agent, digital interactor and digital self. Empower students to become well-rounded digital citizens with the ISTE Standards for Students. Learn more at iste.org/StandardsForStudents

Have you ever watched something that changed your life? Get ready for some intense inspiration with this uplifting, eye-opening keynote talk given by Jennie Magiera at ISTE 2017. In fifty minutes, Magiera dives into five single stories in education and the accompanying stories that are yet to be told. She tackles the stereotypes and simplistic narratives that we often apply to ourselves, our colleagues, our students, and our community and reveals the impact we can have when we unlock the untold stories and share them widely. She focuses on themes of compassion and empathy, failure, authenticity, and, most importantly, self-empowerment and the empowerment of others.

Hear from educators from all over the world on what it’s like to learn at the epicenter of edtech. With hundreds of presenters and exhibitors, thousands of sessions and 16,000+ attendees, the professional learning and networking opportunities at the ISTE Conference & Expo are endless. Experience the annual event where educators become innovators and register now for ISTE 2018: isteconference.org

In this info-packed session from ISTE 2017, Jane Krauss and Sylvia Martinez cover everything from equity in computer science, how to get kids coding meaningfully, curating the best tools for CS success, how CS can be taught across the curriculum, what’s needed in education to bring computer science and computational thinking to every student, and much more. Want to be in the room where it happens next time? Registration for ISTE 2018 is open now. Visit isteconference.org to learn more.

When used meaningfully and equitably, technology can amplify learning and be the great equalizer in education. In this video, five educators share their thoughts on how technology is transforming learning for the better. Through digital learning, students can become global citizens, build skills in collaboration and creativity, prepare for the future, and much more. To learn more about what meaningful technology use in schools looks like, check out the ISTE Standards: iste.org/standards The ISTE Standards are the definitive education technology standards to transform learning and teaching. You can also get inspiration and ideas for how you can join the conversation by following ISTE on Twitter: @isteconnects or subscribing to the ISTE Blog at iste.org/blog to get great content and resources like these delivered right to your inbox. Educators featured in this video: Cathy Hunt, Visual Arts Educator, St. Hilda’s School, Southport, Australia @art_cathyhunt Jaime Donally, Edtech Presenter, White Oak, Texas @JaimeDonally Mason Mason, Education Technology Instructor, Dallas, Texas @EdTechMason Kimberly Lane, Blended Learning Specialist, Lancaster ISD, Lancaster, Texas @askatechnogirl Sarah-Jane Thomas, Regional Technology Coordinator, Prince Georges County Public Schools, Prince Georges County, Maryland @sarahdateechur Michael Hernandez, Teacher, Cinema and Journalism, Mira Costa High School, Manhattan Beach, California @cinehead

In this 5-minute Ignite presentation, current student Xavier Zeller challenges traditional education models and shares his own experience of finding academic success through personalization and passion-based learning. He encourages educators to find ways to make learning fun and engaging for all kids and not write off those who learn differently and have different learning needs as failures.

In this powerful Ignite session, Jen Giffen shares the stories of two students who are among the third of students who don’t play the “game of school” well. These are students who might be considered challenging, or who would rather look lazy than stupid, and she urges educators to ask themselves: how can I do better? How can educators better support those students who don’t fit the traditional mold of “good” student? Want more inspiration like this? Register now for ISTE 2018 at isteconference.org

Do you ever feel like you’re the only one in your school with wild and crazy ideas? You’re not alone! Fanny Passeport was once that teacher, but after she encountered moonshot thinking, she developed strategies for deepening, modeling and getting buy-in for an innovative, empowered mindset. In just five minutes, Passeport will leave you feeling inspired and motivated with her approach to moonshot thinking in education. Keep the learning and inspiration going at ISTE 2018! Register now at isteconference.org

The SXSWedu® Conference & Festival fosters innovation in learning by hosting a passionate and diverse community of education stakeholders. The seventh annual SXSWedu will return to Austin, March 6-9, 2017, for four days of compelling sessions, in-depth workshops, engaging learning experiences, mentorship, film screenings, startup events, policy-centered discussions, business opportunities, networking and so much more! Through collaboration, creativity and social action, SXSWedu empowers its global community to connect, discover and impact.

The Rather Prize is a $10k prize presented to the person behind the best idea to improve Texas education. The statewide prize is open to students, teachers and administrators in Texas. Our session will begin with a discussion about the implementation of Eastside Memorial’s winning idea from last year, followed by an announcement and action plan for the Rather Prize second annual contest. Martin and Dan Rather will lead the conversation focusing on the importance of listening to great ideas in Texas education. The session will include a Q&A session. Multimedia will be used to feature the comeback of Eastside memorial with a spotlight on the second annual Rather Prize winner.

SXSWedu 2017s opening keynote. Merging theory and practice, connecting contemporary issues to historical ones, and providing a deep analysis on the current state of education, Dr. Emdin ushers in a new way of looking at improving schools and schooling. Drawing from themes in his New York Times Bestselling book, and the latest album from rap group A Tribe Called Quest, Emdin offers insight into the structures of contemporary schools, and highlights major issues like the absence of diversity among teachers, the ways educators of color are silenced in schools, the absence of student voice in designing teaching and learning, and a way forward in addressing these issues.

The SXSWedu® Conference & Festival fosters innovation in learning by hosting a diverse and energetic community of stakeholders across a variety of backgrounds in education. Enjoy this daily recap from day one of the SXSWedu 2017 event.

Michael Kleba In industries from health care to the military to major league baseball, executives call on (and compensate) the advice of working practitioners. Why is it so rare to find companies that have working teachers in executive and leadership positions? Join Mike Kleba as he explores a revolutionary paradigm in education: teacher as advisor and business executive. Teachers aren’t untapped as end users; they are untapped as partners.

The SXSWedu® Conference & Festival fosters innovation in learning by hosting a diverse and energetic community of stakeholders across a variety of backgrounds in education. Enjoy this daily recap from day two of the SXSWedu 2017 event.

Laura Weidman Powers By 2040, we’re making sure that Black and Latinx communities are recognized and valued as the powerful innovators they are. Learn what we’ve discovered in the last five years – including why we’re diversifying the innovation economy – and how you can continue the charge towards a more equitable future.

The Secrets of Accelerated Learning & Mastery | SXSWedu Keynote Tim Ferriss in conversation with Charles Best Want to become world-class in anything, or teach others to do the same? Tim Ferriss, author of “Tools of Titans” and “The 4-Hour Workweek,” has spent years interviewing and studying world-class performers—celebs, entrepreneurs, athletes, Special Ops commanders and more—to deconstruct accelerated learning. In this talk, moderated by Charles Best, Founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org, Ferriss will share frameworks and techniques that can help you take learning (and teaching) to the next level.

Learning, Memory & Knowledge Post-Google | SXSWedu Featured Session Andrew Smith Lewis Cerego – Co-Founder & CEO Seth Godin famously argued that there is “zero value in memorizing anything ever again.” In the post-Google, mobile era, where information is constantly at our fingertips, this may very well be true, but how does this cultural shift away from memorization actually impact knowledge and learning? In fact, memory may be more important than ever in role as the foundational knowledge from which our learning (and information seeking) takes shape. In this talk, Andrew Smith Lewis will look at the science of memory and how technology is changing the cultural value of memory and knowledge. He’ll also explore the tradeoffs we may be making in the post-Google era as how we learn evolves.

The SXSWedu® Conference & Festival fosters innovation in learning by hosting a diverse and energetic community of stakeholders across a variety of backgrounds in education. Enjoy this daily recap from day two of the SXSWedu 2017 event.

SXSWedu 2017 Featured Session Classroom to Community: Student Service Learning Jahana Hayes CCSSO – 2016 Natl Teacher of the Year Through service learning, 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes expands her classroom walls into the community. Community service projects build skills and empowerment, and provide students the opportunity to transfer the critical thinking and problem solving skills taught in the classroom into the real world. It also allows students to know the power of being the giver. Students build a sense of increased self-worth and self-sufficiency. This, in turn, can lead to academic success. Hayes will share best practices for engaging students in service learning and encourage educators to develop plans of their own to expand the network of teachers engaging in this valuable practice.

AJ Crabill, Dori Fenenbock, Kendall Pace and Richard A Carranza Do School Boards Work?: Improving Student Outcomes How much of your district’s school board meetings are spent focused on student outcomes — not just adult inputs, frustrated parents, upset vendors, debates about whom the superintendent should or shouldn’t have hired, discussions that revolve around second-guessing managerial decisions, etc.? If your district is like many, the answer probably ranges from none to not enough. But there is another way; let’s talk about it.

Michelle Johnson US Air Force Academy – Lieutenant Gen Superintendent Leaders in Lockstep: Combating Sexual Assault Summary It is time to acknowledge and own the societal problem of sexual assault on college campuses. Despite our respective codes of honor, service academies have not been immune to this corrosive problem. Transforming culture has to start at the top, with leaders in lockstep, fostering a culture that is committed to respect for the human dignity of every person. The culture must be consistent, to include respect for gender, religion, socio economic status, race, color, creed or sexual orientation. We must take an honest, introspective look at our climate, reinforce our commitment to this consistent respect, and ensure that the emotional and physical wellbeing of victims is a top priority.

Ben Riley, Dick Startz, Kate Walsh Is Educational Innovation Overrated? Summary In this no-holds-barred session, Kate Walsh (NCTQ) and Benjamin Riley (Deans for Impact) debate whether we actually need less innovation in education, particularly when preparing teachers. In what will surely feel like an anathema to the SXSWedu crowd, participants will be asked to close their laptops (gasp!) and to pocket cellphones (shudder!) as we discuss whether education in the 21st century is really all that different from the 20th…or the 3rd even! Dick Startz (UC Santa Barbara), a remarkably entertaining economist, moderates.

Anthony A Owen, Heather Lageman, Kevin Nolten, Pat Yongpradit Computer Science Standards: Best Practices Summary The U.S. has over half a million unfilled computing jobs, and computing jobs are projected to grow at 2x the rate of any other job over the next 10 years. Like History, Math or English, Computer Science is recognized by educators and parents alike as a critical skill for career readiness. However, most states have not yet adopted computer science learning standards, and only 25% of schools teach computer science at all. State Boards of Education are key: 45 state boards of education have authority to design and implement education standards, but only 5 states have CS standards. This panel will highlight why CS standards are important, and how to get them passed in your state.

Ideate & Create Towards a Better Tomorrow Jessica O Matthews Uncharted Play – Founder/CEO Summary How can we inspire children to create positive change in their communities? Uncharted Play makes energy-generating play products that power and empower communities worldwide. Using its products as teaching tools alongside the company’s “Think Out Of Bounds” (TOOB) Curriculum, the company is helping students find the confidence to imagine and invent a better future. Uncharted Play has based its headquarters in Harlem to champion the intersection of self-expression and technology, a union enhanced by diverse opinions and backgrounds. Learn more about how UP embraces the power of play and community to change the way the world looks at innovation—and innovators.

Brittany Packnett, Iz Avila, Kathy Fletcher, Vernee Green ESSA, Turnaround Arts & the Obama Education Legacy Summary #ArtsEd The President’s Committee is a White House advisory committee on culture, for which the First Lady serves as Honorary Chair. Under this Committee, the Obama Administration created an impressive education legacy, of which the arts are a critical part. This session will demonstrate in action the arts education opportunities provided by Turnaround Arts (TA), an arts education initiative that uses the arts as a tool to reform some of the nation’s lowest performing schools. The session will help participants understand the ways in which local communities can leverage the arts through new education legislation (ESSA) and understand the methodology by which TA has achieved academic success.

Mark Milliron, Laura Mercer, Jon Daries and John Gill Data Today: Trends & Predictions for Higher Ed Summary As data innovation and advanced analytics come of age in higher education, this panel will look at the today’s need-to-know trends and the wave of transition yet to come. Join a panel of data experts as they make bold predictions and explore trendsetting approaches that universities around the world are using to accomplish their teaching missions and address historic achievement gaps. This panel will look at proven and promising practices in how data can drive program review, curriculum development, research and governance and emerging examples from the frontlines of data innovation.

Jane Meseck, Jodi Nelson, Leila Toplic and Melissa Ingber Beyond Aid: Solutions for Educating Refugee Youth Summary We are in the midst of the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Syrian refugees alone now number a staggering 4.8 million, more than half of whom are children. Trauma, poverty, social isolation and a lack of access to education are creating a bleak future for a generation of youth. Helping young refugees find a sense of purpose and a path to a better future is critical for their individual futures, their home countries and our well-being as a global community. Join experts from the International Rescue Committee, Aspen Institute, Microsoft, and NetHope for a discussion about how technology and other solutions including virtual exchange can aid refugee education at scale.

Building an Educational Team of Teams William McRaven Chancellor, The University of Texas System Summary The future of Texas will be determined by our ability to give every student willing to work hard a chance for a great education. Making that a reality is not only the job of higher education, of the Pre-K through 12 community, or anyone else. It’s a job for all of us. In his remarks, Chancellor McRaven will discuss the bold steps the UT System is taking, as well as the collaborative “Team of Teams” approach that he believes will drive Quantum Leaps forward for our state, and the world at large.

Colette Pierce Burnette, Dave Mann, Richard Reddick and Mayor Steve Adler Addressing Inequality in Austin Summary In late 2016, Austin Mayor Steve Adler announced the creation of the Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities aimed at addressing racial inequality in the community and address the systemic structures and institutions that have negatively impacted communities of color. The task force will focus on criminal justice, education, health, finance and housing, working to bring an action plan to city leadership this spring. This panel will bring together Mayor Adler and leadership from the task force to discuss Austin’s history of racial inequity, the importance of the task force’s work and the implications for both Austin’s public schools as well as higher education.

Brain-Informed Education for All: Is It Possible? Abner Oakes, David Yeager Summary We now know more than ever about how people learn, but how close are we to creating a U.S. public education system that reflects recent scientific discoveries? How do we ensure that all students, particularly in underserved populations, have the resources and support they need to develop critical thinking skills, socio-emotional learning and other traits necessary for future success? Join us for a lively conversation as we look at the alignment of education policy to learning research, new opportunities for improvement and the challenges that remain.

Roberto Rivera Good Life Alliance / 7 Mindsets – Pres & Lead Change Agent Mindsets & Movements: Healing Self & Society In this talk, Roberto Rivera reclaims the history of hiphop culture and breaks down how it embodies best practices in social emotional learning, post traumatic growth and social change. Roberto provides scientific research and remixes it with stories of personal and community transformation. Roberto was a former student deemed “at-risk,” by the age of 15 he was kicked out of school, ran away from home, and was in drug rehab. He now is a renown educator, social entrepreneur, and published scholar. He will illustrate his points further with case studies that illustrate these principles in school and community contexts. This talk will inspire you, any educator, artist or concerned citizen.

Scaling Global Competency Education Diane Robinson, Seth Brady, Tala Sweis, Trisha Carroll Unprecedented social, economic, political and cultural change has inspired calls for a new kind of education that prepares students for success in the global economy. One policy solution has been to integrate global competency standards into statewide curriculum. But applying policy to practice and bringing equitable global competency education to scale on a national level requires more substantial efforts––perhaps even a bit of radical thinking. This panel will feature trailblazers in Kentucky, Illinois and Jordan who have supported the implementation of virtual exchange as a tool to ensure young people have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

We are living in a time of vast, fast and unprecedented change in our world and will need educated citizens equipped with the skills, character and mindsets to tackle complex challenges and make decisions of consequence. Liberal arts colleges are institutions that are fundamentally committed to a deep, broad education that cultivates and launches the leaders we need. The best colleges will be those that continue to adapt and innovate in what they offer to best serve today’s young people and society. In this panel we’ll engage in a dialogue with the presidents of some of the top colleges in the country and their visions for the future of liberal arts and the roles of colleges in society.

In a city known for reinventing itself, Pittsburgh and its Remake Learning Network are forging a new kind of modern education—one in which the region is a classroom and learners leverage the technology, creativity, and innovations that have transformed Fred Rogers’ hometown. Representing more than 250 schools, museums, libraries, and community centers, Remake Learning has reset educational expectations – in and out of school – PreK to Grade 12, earning coverage by Forbes, the Stanford Social Innovation Review and the World Economic Forum. This session will discuss how the network’s award-winning partnerships, programs and events are inspiring lifelong learners in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Carla Thompson Payton, Hilary Pennington, Kyle Peterson, Sara Allan The Ford Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Walton Family Foundation share a commitment to equity in education, especially for the nation’s underserved communities and marginalized student populations. Each approaches this work in unique and distinct ways that have been shaped by organizational history, culture and mission. Join foundation leaders as they discuss how their work impacts, and is impacted by, structures and struggles in our education system and the actions they are taking to reach an inclusive, equitable future for all.

Do the arts really matter in today’s cultural and political environment? Dr. Joseph W. Polisi, president of The Juilliard School for more than three decades, shares how and why the school is bringing arts access to a wider public through K-12 educational curricula, The Tianjin Juilliard School, and an increasing array of digital education products. In this talk, moderated by Juilliard faculty chair Dr. Michael Shinn, Dr. Polisi will provide a framework for educating the artists, leaders, and citizens that our world needs today – and how to keep the arts alive for future generations.

Student Voice’s national tour has found that students are struggling to reach their goals in the face of steep institutionalized inequity. While initiatives such as Affirmative Action, and scholarships, like the Gate’s Millennium Scholars, have made serious headway into decreasing the barriers many students must surmount in order to pursue an education, there are many students of color from low-income families, and/or with learning differences who have to contend with a system designed to keep them from realizing their dreams. This all-student panel will discuss how students in the U.S. are using their voice to change the status quo and combat inequity to achieve their scholastic aspirations.